Best Dispersed Camping near Fresno, CA
Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Fresno, California, with several free primitive sites available on public lands. Goat Meadow Dispersed Camp Site ranks among the most popular locations, situated just minutes from Yosemite's south entrance. Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area provides convenient access between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Forest Service Road 13S09 in Sequoia National Forest features established sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Tumey Hills Box Canyon offers BLM land camping approximately 15 minutes from the main road.
Most dispersed sites require visitors to bring all necessary supplies. No drinking water is available at these locations, and bathroom facilities are extremely limited. According to reviews, Goat Meadow can become crowded during peak seasons and holiday weekends. One camper noted, "This place gets CROWDED. At 5:30 it's like everyone got off work and headed home." Fire regulations vary by location and season; permits are required for all fires in Sequoia National Forest areas, including camp and propane stoves.
Road conditions range from paved to primitive. Goat Meadow accommodates most vehicles including RVs, with flat terrain accessible to standard passenger cars. Several campers reported that Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area can be difficult to locate even with coordinates. Forest Road 13S09 remains calm with minimal traffic, offering shade for campers and sun exposure for solar panels. Wildlife encounters are common; campers should store food properly and maintain awareness of their surroundings. Cell service varies by location, with Verizon reported as reliable at Goat Meadow. The standard 14-day stay limit applies to most dispersed camping areas on federal lands.
